Top Metros Could Bring Deals for Apartment Renters in 2017

Although apartment rents in the nation’s largest cities saw some growth, that growth is now beginning to slow, according to a new report by industry data firms Yardi Matrix and RentCafe.

In July, the national average rental rate increased .1% month-over-month to $1350, a figure approximately 2.6% higher when measured year-over-year, says Yardi Matrix.

Below is Yardi Matrix’s most recent data on national pricing performance by apartment size.

Credit: Yardi Matrix and RentCafe

This year, Yardi Matrix forecasts 371,000 apartment units will come online across the U.S. That’s 21% more than were delivered in 2016.

It appears new supply is beginning to take a toll, but it’s worth pointing out that 64% of new apartments coming online will do so in the top 20 metros. That’s edging up rent growth in what RentCafe calls “outlying suburbs,” which saw the most rent growth thanks to dwindled supply.

In fact, renters may see deals more easily found in larger metros, as those cities move through this digestion period.

“The huge number of apartments entering the market benefits all renters – but especially those in the country’s more expensive areas,” Yardi Matrix Senior Analyst Doug Ressler said. “More apartments mean more choices – and, ultimately, more bargaining leverage for the renter.”

The most recent data available show New York and Texas leading the way in falling rents. More than 7,000 units will come online in Manhattan in 2017, and the borough’s rents average $4054, down from the $4154 monthly seen at the start of 2017.

Similarly, in Texas, rents in the city of Lubbock fell 3.1% year-over-year. College Station rents dropped 2.2% year-over-year — and in that time period, the city saw 300% jump in units online.

Pulled from Yardi Matrix data, here are the top 7 cities for apartment deals in July 2017 — these 7 big-name cities saw the biggest average rent declines.

7. Brooklyn, New York

The average cost of rent in Brooklyn declined 1.6% year-over-year, according to Yardi Matrix, and is now $2,712.

6. Oklahoma City

In Oklahoma City, rent costs average $723 monthly, or 1.6% less than last year.

5. Tulsa, Oklahoma

In Tulsa, the average rent declined 1.7% year-over-year to $674.

4. Pearland, Texas

Average rent in Pearland dropped 2% year-over-year and as of July are $1259 per month.

3. College Station, Texas

In College Station, the average rent costs $1179 monthly, a 2.2% year-over-year decline.

2. Manhattan, New York

The average rent in Manhattan has dropped 3.1% year-over-year! Yardi Matrix tabulates it at $4,054 per month.

1. Lubbock, Texas

The average price of rent dropped 3.1% year-over-year in Lubbock and stands at $896 per month, according to Yardi Matrix.

Facing such tricky market fundamentals, apartment developers across all markets are continuing to compete by building communities with amenity-oomph.“These new apartment communities often come with upscale amenities, including 24/7 fitness centers, yoga studios, rooftop farms and pet spas,” according to Ressler. “Some even offer concessions, like a month of free rent or free gym memberships. These perks aren’t limited to overly-popular markets such as NYC or San Francisco, either. Minneapolis is also seeing tons of new, top-notch apartments added to its rental market, as is Nashville and Orlando.”